Here's the current offer from Seattle Public Schools and the counter proposal from Seattle Education Association
Here's the current offer from Seattle Public Schools and the counter proposal from Seattle Education Association
Wed, 09/07/2022
Current SPS Contract Proposals and Status
SPS and SEA continue to bargain on a contract to replace the educator contract, which expired on Aug. 31, 2022. Here is a list of our current contract priories and a summary of where the negotiations stand.
Competitive Pay
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 7, 2022.
We know that competitive pay and high standards of excellence provide teachers with the resources and support they need to create positive learning environments and are offering a substantial package.
Expanding Opportunities and Support for Special Education
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 9, 2022.
We are committed to improving the levels of service and inclusion for students receiving special education, by focusing on student needs rather than fixed staff ratios. We importantly want to increase training for teachers, so they can effectively integrate special education students in their classrooms.
Expanding Opportunities and Support for Multilingual Education
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on June 28, 2022.
We want to improve outcomes for students with multilingual needs by moving away from a staffing-to-student ratio to tailoring services to student needs. We know how important highly qualified certificated teachers are to student success. We encourage staff to receive their certifications and Instructional Assistants to transition to teaching positions over time.
Creating Safe Classrooms for Students and Workplaces for Staff
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on July 14, 2022.
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is a top priority at SPS. We are aligning our existing policies with state law and best practices to ensure the safety of every student and staff member, in every school and classroom.
Investing in Educators: Early Release, Time Off, Professional Excellence
Personal Leave
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 3, 2022.
We know that students are able to do their best when they are with their teacher and that teachers need appropriate time off. We are working to ensure continuity, so students are with their primary teachers before a scheduled break.
Substitute Unavailability Funds
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 4, 2022.
SPS recognizes the importance of covering temporary staff absences with substitutes to limit disruption for students. With the statewide shortage of substitute staff, it may not always be possible to find someone to cover.
In instances where a sub can’t be found to cover, the school will receive funding equal to the daily substitute’s rate of pay for the school to determine its use to best support students to compensate if another staff member steps in to help in addition to their regular tasks or the school may use the funds to purchase equipment or supplies.
Teacher Evaluations
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on July 14, 2022.
We want to support new teachers early in their careers by increasing proficiency requirements that will ensure high professional standards.
Teacher Leadership
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on July 14, 2022.
We know that leadership development opportunities for educators are important for growth and retention and are proposing a restructure to our Teacher Leadership Cadre Program.
Professional Development
Status of Proposal: In progress
We want to expand opportunities for educators to explore best practices in curriculum adoption and inclusionary teaching and to align standards across the district.
Use of Professional Development Time
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 12, 2022.
SPS knows the importance and need to prepare and train educators. This proposal clarifies that training decisions for buildings, programs, or departments will be made in partnership with principals, program managers, and staff. The district will provide stipends for buildings and site-based decision making and the expectations for the number of professional development days by bargaining unit are detailed.
Early Release
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 4, 2022.
In order to help prepare educators and provide more robust training, the district is proposing to direct the trainings for early release days to ensure equal and consistent training for our educators.
Technology Learning Time
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 10, 2022.
SPS is offering educators compensation for up to 32 hours/4 days of professional development to improve their skills and use of technology in the classroom.
Electronic Payment Proposal
Status of Proposal: In progress. Shared with SEA on Aug. 10, 2022.
This proposal states clear timelines for salary payments and requirements and deadlines for certificated staff to submit documentation of educational attainment for the purpose of salary placement. Details about limits to cash withdrawals, erroneous overpayments, and the process to correct are also included.
